Kathy to train with riding legend Funnell (From Stroud News and Journal)

Kathy to train with riding legend Funnell

KATHY OLIVER is set to train with riding legend Pippa Funnell after becoming Quest X champion.

Kathy, from Frampton Family Riding Club riding Algina T, put in a superb performance at Windsor International Horse Trials to become Quest X champion and collect the first prize of training with the world's number one Pippa Funnell, plus the Quest X trophy from HRH the Princess Royal.

Kathy said: "This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Pippa Funnell has been my heroine for such a long time, to have the chance to train with her is just fantastic.

"I am delighted to win the thousand pounds for my Riding Club as they have been so supportive throughout the competition."

Kathy impressed the judges in all three disciplines of dressage, cross country and showjumping to take the title.

The competition began with 117 starters from all over the country. The competitors were judged on their riding ability, leadership skills, team building qualities and following some media training by BBC's Bill Turnbull their ability to deal with interview situations.

Wednesday evening saw the competitors reduced to 25 and on the Friday reduced to 16.

The semi-finals took place on Saturday which included dressage, showjumping and a public text vote.

The last chosen five competitors then went through to the final on the Sunday which involved dressage, showjumping and a cross country test followed by a live interview with John Kyle. The public were once again invited to vote.

The judges who comprised of HRH Princess Royal, International rider Sarah Cutteridge, Chef D-Equipe of the British team Yogi Breisner and Barbara Cassani Vice Chairman of the 2012 Olympic bid board said Kathy demonstrated skill, determination and personality in a tough competition.